Simple 2-Ingredient Sugared Cranberries

If you’re looking for the ultimate effortless holiday treat that looks straight out of a winter wonderland, these 2-Ingredient Sugared Cranberries are your answer. They’re crisp, juicy, and beautifully coated in shimmering sugar crystals that resemble frosty snow. The best part? You only need two simple ingredients — sugar and fresh cranberries.

These little gems are incredibly versatile. They can be used to decorate cakes, pies, and tarts, or served as a festive side snack at your Christmas or New Year’s table. You can even sprinkle them over pancakes, yogurt bowls, or use them to dress up mocktails, charcuterie boards, and brunch platters.

Whether you’re a baking enthusiast or just want a quick, eye-catching garnish that adds magic to your desserts, these sugared cranberries bring the sparkle without the stress.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Only 2 ingredients: No fancy syrups, no alcohol, and no complicated prep.

• Naturally beautiful: They add a frosted sparkle to any dish or table.

• Perfect balance of sweet and tart: The sugar coating complements the cranberry’s tangy bite.

• Kid-friendly and family-approved: Everyone loves these jewel-like treats.

• Make-ahead friendly: They can be stored for up to 2–3 days while retaining their crisp texture.

• Vegan, dairy-free, and gluten-free: A naturally plant-based, allergy-friendly holiday treat.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

• 2 cups fresh cranberries

• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar (divided)

• ½ cup water

That’s it! You only need these two main ingredients — sugar and cranberries — to make this sparkling magic happen.

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Simple Syrup

In a small saucepan, combine ½ cup sugar and ½ cup water over medium heat. Stir gently until the sugar dissolves completely and the liquid becomes clear. Do not let it boil — you only want it warm enough to dissolve the sugar.

Step 2: Coat the Cranberries

Remove the pan from the heat. Add the fresh cranberries and gently stir to coat them evenly in the syrup. Make sure all cranberries are covered so they’ll hold onto the sugar later. Let them sit in the syrup for about 5–10 minutes to absorb a light coating.

Step 3: Dry the Cranberries

Using a slotted spoon, transfer the syrup-coated cranberries to a wire rack or parchment-lined baking sheet. Spread them in a single layer and let them dry for about 1 hour. This step helps the sugar adhere properly later and prevents clumping.

Step 4: Add the Sparkle

Pour the remaining 1 cup of sugar into a shallow bowl or plate. Once the cranberries feel tacky (not wet), roll them a handful at a time in the sugar until completely coated. The sugar crystals will cling beautifully, creating a frosted effect.

Step 5: Let Them Set

Return the sugared cranberries to the rack or a parchment-lined tray and let them dry for another 30–60 minutes until the coating hardens.

Step 6: Serve or Store

Once dry, your sugared cranberries are ready to enjoy! They’re crisp, sweet-tart, and irresistibly beautiful.

Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

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Tips for Perfect Sugared Cranberries

• Use fresh cranberries: Avoid frozen cranberries; they release moisture and prevent the sugar from sticking properly.

• Don’t skip the drying step: It’s essential for getting that perfect frosty texture.

• Use superfine sugar for a lighter sparkle: If you want extra sparkle, use caster sugar or pulse granulated sugar in a blender for a finer coating.

• Add flavor variations: Try infusing the simple syrup with vanilla, orange zest, or cinnamon for a hint of festive aroma (still alcohol-free).

• Double the batch: They disappear quickly and make fantastic edible gifts!

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Creative Ways to Use Sugared Cranberries

Holiday Cake Toppers

Place a few sugared cranberries on top of your Christmas cakes, cheesecakes, or tarts for an instant snowy effect. They pair especially well with vanilla, orange, and chocolate desserts.

Festive Charcuterie Boards

Add a bowl of sparkling cranberries to your charcuterie or dessert board. They balance the richness of cheeses, nuts, and chocolates with their sweet-tart freshness.

Pancake and Waffle Garnish

Brighten your breakfast table by sprinkling these sugared jewels over pancakes, waffles, or French toast. They bring both flavor and festive beauty.

Mocktail Garnish

Top off your sparkling water, lemonade, or holiday punch with a few sugared cranberries on a skewer or floating on top for a sophisticated touch — no alcohol needed.

Yogurt and Oatmeal Bowls

Add sparkle to your morning routine by mixing them into yogurt parfaits or overnight oats.

Homemade Gifts

Package them in small glass jars or decorative bags tied with ribbons. A thoughtful, easy, and stunning edible gift for friends and neighbors.

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Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

(Values are approximate and may vary depending on sugar quantity and cranberry size.)

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Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

• Make Ahead: You can prepare the sugared cranberries up to 2 days in advance. Store them uncovered in a cool, dry place.

• Avoid Refrigeration: Storing them in the fridge can cause the sugar coating to dissolve due to moisture.

• Refreshing Older Cranberries: If they lose their sparkle, simply roll them again in a small amount of sugar before serving.

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Troubleshooting Common Issues

1. My sugar coating melted!
This can happen if the cranberries were still wet when you rolled them in sugar. Make sure they’re tacky, not dripping.

2. The cranberries are too sticky.
Try using a coarser sugar, or let them dry a bit longer before coating.

3. The sugar won’t stick at all.
Double-check that your syrup fully coated the cranberries before drying. The sugar needs that light stickiness to cling.

4. They’re too tart for me.
You can use a slightly thicker syrup (more sugar, less water) for extra sweetness.

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Why Sugared Cranberries Are Perfect for the Holidays

Sugared cranberries embody everything we love about the season: sparkle, color, and a touch of magic. Their ruby-red hue reflects the warmth of Christmas, while the sugar coating resembles freshly fallen snow. They make your desserts and drinks feel extra special, even with minimal effort.

They’re also naturally plant-based, contain no alcohol, and fit perfectly into a wide range of diets — a win for every holiday guest at your table.

These little gems capture the balance of sweet, tart, and festive — all in a single bite.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen cranberries?
It’s best to use fresh cranberries. Frozen ones tend to weep moisture as they thaw, making it hard for the sugar to adhere properly.

Can I use brown sugar instead of white?
Brown sugar doesn’t create the same sparkling effect. For a frosted look, stick with granulated white sugar or superfine sugar.

How long do sugared cranberries last?
Stored in a cool, dry place, they’ll stay crisp for about 2–3 days. After that, the sugar may start to melt.

Can I use other fruits?
Yes! Try this method with grapes, blueberries, or pomegranate seeds for a colorful mix of sugared fruit.

Are these safe for children?
Absolutely! They’re alcohol-free, made with natural ingredients, and fun for kids to eat or help make.

Can I make these without a stove?
Yes — you can dissolve the sugar in warm water using a microwave, then follow the same steps.

How do I keep them from sticking together?
Allow the cranberries to dry completely before storing and avoid stacking them in layers.

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The Beauty of Simplicity

These 2-ingredient sugared cranberries prove that sometimes the most beautiful holiday treats come from the simplest recipes. With just a few minutes of work, you get a sparkling, snow-dusted treat that looks like it came from a professional bakery.

They’re the perfect finishing touch for holiday gatherings — adding elegance, texture, and flavor without the need for complex ingredients or alcohol-based recipes.

So the next time you want to make your desserts, drinks, or breakfast spreads look extra special, whip up a batch of these shimmering berries. Their simplicity and beauty will leave everyone impressed — and only you’ll know how easy they were to make.